Volunteer Manager

Job Description

Join Our Team at Agape Therapeutic Riding!

Do you thrive on organizing schedules and keeping things running smoothly? Do you enjoy building meaningful relationships and engaging with people? Do you love teaching and sharing knowledge with others?

If you answered yes to these questions, you might be the perfect fit for our team! We’re looking for a dedicated and passionate individual to join us in making a difference through equine-assisted services.

We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Volunteer Manager to join our team. The Volunteer Manager will be responsible for the recruitment, training, and coordination of volunteers to support our organization’s programs and events. This role requires excellent communication skills, a passion for community engagement, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Reports to: Program Director

Position Type: Full-time Exempt, Salaried with Applicable Benefits

Location: Cicero, IN. Some ability to work from home, as agreed upon with the supervisor.

Primary Responsibilities

Volunteer Management

• Oversee all aspects of volunteer management at Agape.
• Maintains current and accurate records for all volunteers per PATH Intl. Standards.
• Proactively schedules volunteers for weekly programming needs and finds subs as needed.
• Manage volunteer management software.
• Regularly provides informational updates to the volunteer population through mass emails and specific phone calls.
• Responsible for volunteer engagement and performance: Screens qualifications, performs required background checks, obtains signatures on all engagement forms and releases, trains, and coaches volunteers in a manner appropriate to provide enough knowledge and experience necessary to ensure quality, safe programming. Be comfortable addressing conflict with volunteers if expectations are not being met.
• Coordinate corporate volunteers and work groups in collaboration with the Director of Fundraising & Marketing and the Program Director.
• Participate in programming alongside volunteers and instructors to support riders and volunteers to maintain a deep understanding of the volunteer role and the needs of a therapeutic riding lesson.
• Collaborate with the Director of Fundraising & Marketing to find volunteers for special events and fundraisers.
• Be familiar with all PATH standards related to volunteer operations, educate volunteers on these topics, and ensure all Volunteer PATH standards are adhered to.

Volunteer Education and Training

• Responsible for teaching monthly volunteer orientations for new volunteers (occasional evenings).
• Ensure that the volunteer training manual and materials are updated annually.
• Monitor volunteer skill proficiency levels and oversee ongoing skill training opportunities to support their success as a horse handler or sidewalker.
• Collaborate with the Equine Manager to facilitate Horse Handler Trainings and implement 1:1 training as needed.

Volunteer Recruitment and Stewardship

• Oversee and manage volunteer recruitment activities and events.
• Provide volunteer appreciation activities/events (possible weekends).
• Create surveys and meet 1:1 with key volunteers to get feedback.
• Collaborate with the Fundraising & Marketing Director on marketing and communication strategies.

Qualifications & Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in a related field (business administration, volunteer management, social services, event management, etc.), and a minimum of 2 years related experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading volunteers and/or staff.
• History of success working both independently and as part of a team
• Proven relationship-building and the ability to inspire others to support the mission and help sustain and grow the organization’s programs and long-term objectives.
• Excellent technology proficiency or ability to learn, specifically with web-based systems such as Google Workspace, Salesforce, and Volunteer Management Software.
• Ability to successfully handle multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.